Van Weller. No, not exactly. [Chucks her under the chin.] But old Buys now?—how did you come to think of him?
Sophie. I don’t quite understand how it is. I never used to notice anything. He is nearly as old as you, sir—and one can’t love a man like that, can one?
Van Weller (with a start). Ah!
Sophie. I mean love like—love as one——
Van Weller. Yes, yes, I understand. I’ll make you a present of the explanation.
Sophie. Well—I know nothing about it—but, the other day, when I went up to her sitting-room—now don’t say I told you, sir!
Van Weller. No, no—just go on.
Sophie. She was sitting on his knee, and he kissed her.
Van Weller. Well, I’m surprised at my niece!
Sophie. Oh! don’t think any harm of her, sir! The three lovers is the only thing, and I don’t think the worse of her for that! If I were a man, I’d want to be her lover too,—I’m sure I would!